Pages
Home
My Bar
Cocktails
Listmania
A.I. Search
Level-up
Ingredients
Log in
Cocktails we love
Clover Club
Clover Club Gin, Lemon Juice, Raspberry Syrup, Egg
Death In The Afternoon
Death In The Afternoon Absinthe, Champagne / prosecco, Sugar / simple Syrup
Golden Gate Spritz
Golden Gate Spritz Amaro, Champagne / prosecco, Grapefruit Juice
Jungle Bird
Jungle Bird Jamaican rum, Campari, Sugar / simple Syrup, Pineapple Juice, Lime juice
The Road to Rouen
The Road to Rouen Yellow Chartreuse, Calvados, Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil
Level up
Mastering the Shake
Shaken or Stirred?
The History of the Manhattan
Pairing Cocktails with Food
Muddling - The Why, What, and How?
No results found
esc to close
enter to select
Congratulations!

Welcome to Make Me a Cocktail PREMIUM - where your cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. As a premium member, you've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and using our most advanced AI-driven cocktail tools.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!
Congratulations!

Welcome to Make Me a Cocktail - where your cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. You've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and storing your bar for future use.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!
Congratulations!

You've just been upgraded to our super amazing PREMIUM membership - where your new cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. As a premium member, you've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and using our most advanced AI-driven cocktail tools.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!
You need to be registered for that

You want to start using some of our amazing tools, and not lose your bar ingredients. Register for free!

  • Save your bar forever, without loosing it when you close the window
  • Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
  • Access to more Cocktail Creator credits, allowing you to create more wonderful concoctions.
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • Like and dislike cocktails, finding these collections easily later on
  • Find out what to buy next, with personalised recommendations for your next ingredient
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (measurement choices, search personalisation...)
see more
Login / register
Social share
Toggle white / black
Premium

Join thousands of premium members and get access to this and a heap more.

You want to be an even better mixologist, get access to cutting-edge tools and use the power of AI to create wonderful cocktails.

    Personalised Cocktail Mastery

  • Cocktail recipe masterclass tips
  • Access to Cocktail Connie
  • Cocktail creator plus

    • Supercharged Tools

  • Serving size alteration
  • Powerful A.I. search
  • All menu creator themes

    • Smarter Home Bar Management

  • Photo your bar
  • Ignore kitchen cupboard staples
  • Personal My Bar image

    • A Cleaner Experience

  • No ads, no intrusions
  • ... and so much more ...
Learn more Register and get premium
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Brandy Old Fashioned
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.8 / 5

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

The Brandy Old Fashioned is a beloved variation of the classic Old Fashioned, particularly popular in Wisconsin. It features brandy... ... more

The Brandy Old Fashioned is a beloved variation of the classic Old Fashioned, particularly popular in Wisconsin. It features brandy as the base spirit, offering a smooth, sweet, and flavorful twist on the original whiskey version.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
circa 1850s
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brandy
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
280 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orange slice, Maraschino cherry
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25% | 1.5 units *

Tags

Brandy ingredient icon
Brandy cocktails

Lowball / rocks glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Brandy cocktail ingredient icon for the Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail
Brandy
Angostura Bitters cocktail ingredient icon for the Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail
Angostura Bitters
Sugar cocktail ingredient icon for the Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail
Sugar
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Brandy Old Fashioned gives the classic cocktail a smooth, Midwestern twist, offering a rich sweetness and depth that's a signature delight for brandy lovers. The Angostura bitters cut through the sugar and brandy's inherent warmth, creating a perfectly balanced sip with a gentle hint of citrus and cherry that elevates the entire experience.

Method
How to make a Brandy Old Fashioned

Serves 4 · Takes 5 minutes
Brandy 60 ml, Angostura Bitters 2 dashes, Sugar 1
In a mixing glass, muddle sugar with 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Add 60 ml brandy and ice, then stir until chilled
Strain into a lowball glass over ice
Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry

Power tips
Elevate the Brandy Old Fashioned with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Use a Demerara sugar cube instead of regular sugar for a richer, more nuanced sweetness. The unrefined nature of Demerara complements the smoothness of brandy perfectly.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink to enhance the citrus notes, then drop the peel into the drink for an added aromatic layer.
Upgrade to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Brandy Old Fashioned masterclass

Master the craft of the Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Drink Recipe

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with sophistication and...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Muddle  ·  Bitters  ·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Comments

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history of the Brandy Old Fashioned?

The Brandy Old Fashioned has a rich history that is especially tied to the state of Wisconsin in the United States. It is said to have become popular in the early to mid-20th century when brandy was more accessible than bourbon or rye whiskey, the traditional choices for an Old Fashioned. This cocktail variation came about as immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their preference for brandy to the United States. Wisconsin, with its robust drinking culture and love for unique spins on classic recipes, soon adopted the Brandy Old Fashioned as a state staple. Particularly in supper clubs across the state, this version of the Old Fashioned became renowned for its smooth, sweet, and somewhat fruit-forward taste compared to its whiskey counterpart.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute brandy with another spirit in a Brandy Old Fashioned?

While the Brandy Old Fashioned traditionally uses brandy for its smooth and sweet profile, you can substitute it with other spirits if desired. One common substitution is to revert to the original spirit used in the classic Old Fashioned: bourbon or rye whiskey. This will recreate a more traditional taste associated with the drink's origins. For a different twist, you might experiment with cognac for a sophisticated flavor or even spiced rum for a wintery variation. Just keep in mind that each substitution will alter the cocktail's flavor profile significantly, so adjust the other ingredients, like the amount of sugar or bitters, accordingly to maintain balance.

Garnishing tips icon

What are some tips for garnishing a Brandy Old Fashioned?

Garnishing a Brandy Old Fashioned can enhance both its appearance and flavor. A classic garnish includes an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, which complement the sweetness of the brandy. Consider expressing an orange peel over the glass; the oils add a refreshing burst of citrus aroma. Some enthusiasts prefer a more vibrant approach with muddled fruit in the glass to infuse more flavor. If you're serving the drink for a special occasion and wish to leave a lasting impression, you might add a twist of lemon peel, mint sprigs, or even serve it with a sugared rim. Experiment to find what suits your taste and presentation style best.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Brandy Old Fashioned compare to other cocktails?

The Brandy Old Fashioned has an alcohol content of around 25%, which positions it moderately when compared to other cocktails. Classic cocktails like the Martini or the Manhattan tend to have higher alcohol percentages, often exceeding 30% due to their stirred nature and reduction of additional mixers. On the other hand, mixed drinks such as a Mojito or a Margarita typically have a lower alcohol content, around 15-20%, due to higher volumes of non-alcoholic mixers included in the recipe. Despite being relatively strong, the Brandy Old Fashioned’s smoothness often makes it easy to sip, which is why it's important to enjoy it responsibly.

Food pairings icon

What foods pair well with a Brandy Old Fashioned?

A Brandy Old Fashioned pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, making it a versatile choice for meals. Its sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile complements rich and savory dishes, such as grilled meats and roasts, which are staples at Midwestern supper clubs. Cheese-based starters or platters also make excellent companions due to their ability to balance the drink’s sweetness with savory and tangy notes. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider pairing it with salads that feature nuts, dried fruits, or strong cheeses, adding a delightful contrast to the beverage’s complexity. For dessert, accompany your Brandy Old Fashioned with a fruit tart or caramel-flavored pastry to echo its fruity sweetness.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?

Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.

Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.

Find out more

You might also like

Discover this rich blend of brandy and red wine.

Sangaree

Brandy, Orange liqueur, Red Wine, Orange juice, Lemon Juice, Cinnamon syrup, Sugar / simple Syrup

Enjoy this warm, aromatic blend of brandy and coffee.

Black Jack

Brandy, Cherry Brandy, Sugar, Coffee

Discover this fruity communal blend of rum and juices

Scorpion Bowl

Brandy, White rum, Lemon Juice, Orange juice, Orgeat Syrup

Savor this spiced blend of port, brandy, and cider

Spiced Port & Brandy Punch

Brandy, Ruby Port, Cider, Cranberry Juice, Orange juice, Honey, Cinnamon, Cloves, Star Anise, Orange, Lemon
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image
Jump
Top
Ingredients
Method
Power tips
Tasting notes
Comments
Featured in
FAQs
Cocktail Colin

Cocktail Colin

Your cocktail expert

Cocktail Colin

Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin

Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!

Colin is thinking...
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin

Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.

Become a member